Methanol-terminated polymers containing silane

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to polymers functionalized by terminal groups, where these have, at the chain end, a silane-containing carbinol group of the formula (I) 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         where 
         R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4  are identical or different and are H, alkyl moieties, cycloalkyl moieties, aryl moieties, alkaryl moieties and aralkyl moieties, where these can comprise heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, 
         A is a divalent organic moiety which can comprise, alongside C and H, heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si.

The invention relates to polymers functionalized by terminal groups, and to the production and use thereof.

Important properties desired in tyre treads are good adhesion on a dry surface and on a wet surface, and also high abrasion resistance. It is very difficult here to improve the skid resistance of a tyre without at the same time impairing rolling resistance and abrasion resistance. Low rolling resistance is important for low fuel consumption, and high abrasion resistance is the decisive factor for long tyre lifetime.

The wet skid resistance and rolling resistance of a tyre tread are highly dependent on the dynamic mechanical properties of the rubbers used in producing the mixture. Rubbers with high rebound resilience at relatively high temperatures (60° C. to 100° C.) are used for the tyre tread in order to lower rolling resistance. On the other hand, rubbers with a high damping factor at low temperatures (0° to 23° C.) and, respectively, with low rebound resilience in the range from 0° C. to 23° C. are advantageous for improving wet skid resistance. In order to comply with this complex combination of requirements, the tyre tread uses mixtures made of various rubbers. The mixtures usually used are made of one or more rubbers with relatively high glass transition temperature, e.g. styrene-butadiene rubber, and of one or more rubbers with relatively low glass transition temperature, e.g. polybutadiene having high 1,4-cis content or a styrene-butadiene rubber having low styrene content and low vinyl content or a polybutadiene produced in solution having moderate 1,4-cis content and low vinyl content.

Anionically polymerized solution rubbers containing double bonds, e.g. solution polybutadiene and solution styrene-butadiene rubbers, have advantages over corresponding emulsion rubbers for producing tyre treads with low rolling resistance. The advantages consist inter alia in controllability of vinyl content and the glass transition temperature and molecular branching associated therewith. This leads to particular practical advantages in the relationship between wet skid resistance and rolling resistance of the tyre. Significant contributions to energy dissipation, and therefore to rolling resistance in tyre treads, come from free polymer chain ends and from reversible formation and disjunction of the filler network which is formed by the filler (mostly silica and/or carbon black) used in the tyre tread mixture.

Introduction of functional groups at the polymer chain ends permits physical or chemical linkage of the said chain ends to the surface of the filler. This leads to restricted freedom of motion thereof, and therefore to reduced energy dissipation when the tyre tread is subject to dynamic stress. At the same time, the said functional terminal groups can improve the dispersion of the filler in the tyre tread, and this can lead to weakening of the filler network and thus to a further reduction of rolling resistance.

Numerous methods for modifications of terminal groups have therefore been developed. By way of example, EP 0 180 141 A1 describes the use of 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)benzophenone or N-methylcaprolactam as functionalization reagents. The use of ethylene oxide and N-vinylpyrrolidone is also known from EP 0 864 606 A1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,029 lists a number of other possible functionalization reagents.

Silanes which have a total of at least two halogen substituents and/or alkyloxy substituents and/or aryloxy substituents on silicon in particular have good suitability for functionalization of terminal groups of diene rubbers since one of the abovementioned substituents on the Si atom can easily be replaced by an anionic diene polymer chain end, and the other abovementioned substituent(s) on Si is/are available as functional group which, optionally after hydrolysis, can interact with the filler of the tyre tread mixture. Examples of silanes of this type are found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,244,664, U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,042, and EP 0 890 580 A1.

However, many of the abovementioned functionalization reagents have disadvantages, e.g. poor solubility in the process solvent, high toxicity or high volatility, and this can lead to contamination of the returned solvent. Furthermore, many of the said functionalization reagents can react with more than one anionic polymer chain end, and this leads to coupling reactions which are often disruptive and difficult to control. This is especially true for the abovementioned silanes. These also have the further disadvantage that reaction of the said silanes with the anionic polymer chain end involves cleavage of components such as halides or alkoxy groups, and the latter are easily converted to alcohols. Halides promote corrosion; alcohols can lead to contamination of the process solvent. A further disadvantage in the use of silanes as functionalization reagents is that, after the functionalization process, the resultant siloxane-terminated polymers can couple by way of the Si—OR groups at the polymer chain ends (or by way of the Si—OH groups after hydrolysis of the Si—OR groups) with formation of Si—O—Si bonds, and this leads to an undesired increase in the viscosity of the rubbers during work-up and storage. Many methods have been described for reducing the said viscosity rise in the case of siloxane-terminated polymers, for example the addition of stabilizing reagents based on acid and acyl halides (EP 0 801 078 A1), addition of siloxane (EP 1 198 506 B1), addition of long-chain alcohols (EP 1 237 934 B1) or addition of reagents for pH control (EP 1 726 598).

EP 0 778 311 B1 describes inter alia cyclosiloxanes as functionalization reagents for introducing terminal Si—OH groups. The said cyclosiloxanes have the advantage over the abovementioned silanes that, for each cyclosiloxane molecule, in each case only one anionic polymer chain end can react. This means that during the functionalization reaction no coupling phenomena take place via adduct formation with more than one polymer chain per functionalization reagent. However, the terminal Si—OH groups formed after introduction of the functionalization reagent can couple to form Si—O—Si bonds, as explained above and also in U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,650. Here again, the problem therefore arises of undesired viscosity rise during work-up and storage.

It was therefore an object to provide polymers which are functionalized by terminal groups and which do not have the disadvantages of the prior art and which in particular permit utilization of the good reactivity of silanes with anionic polymer chain ends, without the disadvantages of these, for example reaction of a plurality of anionic polymer chain ends per silane molecule, elimination of problematic components and coupling to form Si—O—Si bonds during work-up and storage.

Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, where these have, at the polymer chain end, a silane-containing carbinol group of the formula (I)

-   where -   R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are identical or different and are H, alkyl moieties,     cycloalkyl moieties, aryl moieties, alkaryl moieties and aralkyl     moieties, where these can comprise heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, -   A is a divalent organic moiety which can comprise, alongside C and     H, heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, -   are proposed for achieving the said object.

The polymers of the invention, functionalized by terminal groups, can preferably be present in the form of metal salts having terminal groups of the formula (II):

-   where -   R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are identical or different and are H, alkyl moieties,     cycloalkyl moieties, aryl moieties, alkaryl moieties and aralkyl     moieties, where these can comprise heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, -   A is a divalent organic moiety which can comprise, alongside C and     H, heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, -   n is an integer from 1 to 4, -   M is a metal or semimetal of valency from 1 to 4, preferably Li, Na,     K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Co, Ni, Al, Nd, Ti, Si, Sn.

Preferred polymers for producing the polymers of the invention, functionalized by terminal groups, are diene polymers and diene copolymers obtainable via copolymerization of dienes with vinylaromatic monomers.

Preferred dienes are 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, 1,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethylbutadiene, 1-phenyl-1,3-butadiene and/or 1,3-hexadiene. It is particularly preferable to use 1,3-butadiene and/or isoprene.

Examples of vinylaromatic comonomers that can be used are styrene, o-, m- and/or p-methylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, α-methylstyrene, vinylnaphthalene, divinylbenzene, trivinylbenzene and/or divinylnaphthalene. It is particularly preferable to use styrene.

The said polymers are preferably produced via anionic solution polymerization or via polymerization by means of coordination catalysts. In this context, coordination catalysts are Ziegler-Natta catalysts or monometallic catalyst systems. Preferred coordination catalysts are those based on Ni, Co, Ti, Zr, Nd, V, Cr, Mo, W or Fe.

Initiators for the anionic solution polymerization process are those based on alkali metal or on alkaline earth metal, e.g. methyllithium, ethyllithium, isopropyllithium, n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, pentyllithium, n-hexyllithium, cyclohexyllithium, octyllithium, decyllithium, 2-(6-lithio-n-hexoxy)tetrahydropyran, 3-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-1-propyllithium, phenyllithium, 4-butylphenyllithium, 1-naphthyllithium, p-tolyllithium, lithium amides of secondary amines, e.g. lithium pyrrolidide, lithium piperidide, lithium hexamethyleneimide, lithium diphenylamide. These lithium amides can also be produced in situ via reaction of an organolithium compound with secondary amines. It is also possible to use di- and polyfunctional organolithium compounds, e.g. 1,4-dilithiobutane, and dilithium piperazide. It is preferable to use n-butyllithium and sec-butyllithium.

It is also possible to use the known randomizers and control agents for the microstructure of the polymer, e.g. diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, diisopropyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol di-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol di-tert-butyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol di-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol di-tert-butyl ether, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-2-methylpropane, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, ethyl tetrahydrofurfuryl ether, hexyl tetrahydrofurfuryl ether, 2,2-bis(2-tetrahydrofuryl)propane, dioxane, trimethylamine, triethylamine, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine, N-methylmorpholine, N-ethylmorpholine, 1,2-dipiperidinoethane, 1,2-dipyrrolidinoethane, 1,2-dimorpholinoethane, and also the potassium and sodium salts of alcohols, of phenols, of carboxylic acids and of sulphonic acids.

Solution polymerization processes of this type are known and are described by way of example in I. Franta, Elastomers and Rubber Compounding Materials; Elsevier 1989, pp. 113-131, in Houben-Weyl, Methoden der Organischen Chemie [Methods of Organic Chemistry], Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 1961, Volume XIV/1, pp. 645 to 673 or Volume E 20 (1987), pp. 114 to 134 and pp. 134 to 153, and also in Comprehensive Polymer Science, Vol. 4, Part II (Pergamon Press Ltd., Oxford 1989), pp. 53-108.

The preferred dienehomo- and copolymers are preferably produced in a solvent. Preferred solvents used for the polymerization process are inert aprotic solvents, e.g., paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as isomeric butanes, pentanes, hexanes, heptanes, octanes and decanes, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane or 1,4-dimethylcyclohexane, or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, diethylbenzene or propylbenzene. These solvents can be used individually or in combination. Preference is given to cyclohexane and n-hexane. Blending with polar solvents is likewise possible.

The amount of solvent for the process according to the invention is usually from 100 to 1000 g, preferably from 200 to 700 g, based on 100 g of the entire amount of monomer used. However, it is also possible to polymerize the monomers used in the absence of solvents.

In a possible method for conducting the polymerization process, the monomers and the solvent are used as initial charge, and the polymerization process is then initiated via addition of the initiator or catalyst. It is also possible to polymerize the materials in a feed process in which monomers and solvent are added to the polymerization reactor, where the initiator or catalyst is used as initial charge or is added with the monomers and the solvent. There are possible variations, for example use of the solvent as initial charge in the reactor, addition of the initiator or catalyst and then addition of the monomers. It is also possible to operate the polymerization process continuously. In all cases, it is possible to add further monomer and solvent during, or at the end of, the polymerization process.

The polymerization time can vary widely from a few minutes to some hours. The polymerization time is usually about 10 minutes up to 8 hours, preferably from 20 minutes to 4 hours. The polymerization process can be conducted either at atmospheric pressure or else at elevated pressure (from 1 to 10 bar).

Surprisingly, it has been found that by using one or more 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes as functionalization reagents it is possible to produce polymers which are functionalized by terminal groups and which do not have the disadvantages of the prior art. By way of example, the following cannot take place during work-up and storage: coupling phenomena via multiple reactions at the functionalization reagent, elimination of problematic components, and coupling phenomena via formation of Si—O—Si bonds.

The 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes are compounds of the general formula (III)

-   where -   R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are identical or different and are H, alkyl moieties,     cycloalkyl moieties, aryl moieties, alkaryl moieties and aralkyl     moieties, where these can comprise heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, -   A is a divalent organic moiety which can comprise, alongside C and     H, heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si.

The Si atom of the formula (HI) is monofunctional here, and the term monofunctional means that the Si atom has three Si—C bonds and one Si—O bond.

Examples of compounds of the formula (III) are:

-   2,2-dimethyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2,2-diethyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2,2-dipropyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2-methyl-2-phenyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2,2-diphenyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2,2,3-trimethyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2,2-di methyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclopentane

-   2,2,4-trimethyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclopentane

-   2,2-dimethyl-1,4-dioxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-2,5-disilacyclohexane

-   2,2,4-trimethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2-silacyclohexane

-   benzo-2,2-dimethyl-1,4-dioxa-2-silacyclohexane

-   benzo-2,2,4-trimethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2-silacyclohexane

It has been found that the polymers of the invention, functionalized by terminal groups, can be produced via reaction of reactive polymer chain ends with 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes and optionally subsequent protonation of the terminal alcoholate group to give the alcohol.

The invention also provides the use of 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes as functionalization reagents for producing the polymers of the invention, functionalized by terminal groups, having terminal groups of the formula (I) or (II).

The average molar masses (number average) of the polymers of the invention, functionalized by terminal groups, are preferably from 10 000 to 2 000 000 g/mol, with preference from 100 000 to 1 000 000 g/mol, their glass transition temperatures being from −110° C. to +20° C., with preference from −110° C. to 0° C., and their Mooney viscosities ML 1+4 (100° C.) being from 10 to 200, preferably from 30 to 150 Mooney units.

The invention further provides a process for producing the polymers of the invention, functionalized by terminal groups, by adding one or more compounds of the formula (III) in the form of pure substance, solution or suspension to polymers having reactive polymer chain ends. The addition preferably takes place after conclusion of the polymerization process; however, it can also take place prior to complete monomer conversion. The reaction of compounds of the formula (III) with polymers having reactive polymer chain ends takes place at the temperatures usually used for the polymerization process. The reaction times for the reaction of compounds according to formula (III) with the reactive polymer chain ends can be from some minutes to a number of hours.

The amount of the said compounds can be selected in such a way that all of the reactive polymer chain ends react with compounds of the formula (III), or a substoichiometric amount of the said compounds can be used. The amounts used of the compounds according to formula (III) can cover a wide range. The preferred amounts are from 0.005 to 2% by weight, particularly from 0.01 to 1% by weight, based on the amount of polymer.

In addition to compounds according to formula (III) it is also possible to use the coupling reagents that are typically used for the anionic diene-polymerization process, for the reaction with the reactive polymer chain ends. Examples of these coupling reagents are silicon tetrachloride, methyltrichlorosilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, tin tetrachloride, dibutyltin dichloride, tetraalkoxysilanes, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether and 1,2,4-tris(chloromethyl)benzene. These coupling reagents can be added prior to the compounds of the formula (III), together with these, or after these.

After addition of compounds of the formula (III) and optionally of coupling reagents, it is preferable, prior to or during the work-up of the silane-containing carbinol-terminated polymers of the invention, to add the conventional antioxidants, such as sterically hindered phenols, aromatic amines, phosphites, thioethers. It is also possible to add the conventional extender oils used for diene rubbers, e.g. DAE (Distillate Aromatic Extract) oils, TDAE (Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract) oils, MES (Mild Extraction Solvate) oils, RAE (Residual Aromatic Extract) oils, TRAE (Treated Residual Aromatic Extract) oils, and naphthenic and heavy naphthenic oils. It is also possible to add fillers, such as carbon black and silica, and rubbers and rubber auxiliaries.

The solvent can be removed from the polymerization process by the conventional methods, such as distillation, steam stripping, or application of a vacuum, optionally at elevated temperature.

The invention also provides the use of the polymers of the invention, functionalized by terminal groups, for producing vulcanizable rubber compositions.

The said vulcanizable rubber compositions preferably comprise other rubbers, fillers, rubber chemicals, processing aids and extender oils.

Examples of additional rubbers are natural rubber, and also synthetic rubbers. To the extent that these are present, the amount thereof is usually in the range from 0.5 to 95% by weight, preferably from 10 to 80% by weight, based on the total amount of polymer in the mixture. The amount of rubbers additionally added depends in turn on the respective intended use of the mixtures of the invention.

A list of synthetic rubbers known from the literature is given here by way of example. They comprise inter alia

-   BR Polybutadiene -   ABR Butadiene/C₁-C₄-alkyl acrylate copolymers -   IR Polyisoprene -   ESBR Styrene-butadiene copolymers having from 1-60% by weight     styrene contents, preferably from 20-50% by weight, produced via     emulsion polymerization -   SSBR Styrene-butadiene copolymers having from 1-60% by weight     styrene contents, preferably from 15-45% by weight, produced via     solution polymerization -   IIR Isobutylene-isoprene copolymers -   NBR Butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers having from 5 to 60% by     weight acrylonitrile contents, preferably from 10-40% by weight -   HNBR Partially hydrogenated or fully hydrogenated NBR rubber -   EPDM Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers     and also mixtures of the said rubbers. Materials of interest for     producing motor vehicle tyres are in particular natural rubber, ESBR     and SSBR with glass transition temperature above −60° C.,     polybutadiene rubber having high cis-content (>90%), which has been     produced using catalysts based on Ni, Co, Ti or Nd, and also     polybutadiene rubber having up to 80% vinyl content, and also     mixtures of these.

Fillers that can be used for the rubber compositions according to the invention are any of the known fillers used in the rubber industry. These comprise active and inert fillers.

Examples that may be mentioned are:

-   -   fine-particle silicas, produced by way of example via         precipitation from solutions of silicates or via flame         hydrolysis of silicon halides with specific surface areas of         from 5 to 1000 m²/g (BET surface area), preferably from 20 to         400 m²/g, and with primary particle sizes of from 10 to 400 nm.         The silicas can, if appropriate, also take the form of mixed         oxides with other metal oxides, such as oxides of Al, of Mg, of         Ca, of Ba, of Zn, of Zr, or of Ti;     -   synthetic silicates, such as aluminium silicate, or alkaline         earth metal silicate, e.g. magnesium silicate or calcium         silicate, with BET surface areas of from 20 to 400 m²/g and with         primary particle diameters of from 10 to 400 nm;     -   natural silicates, such as kaolin and any other naturally         occurring form of silica;     -   glass fibres and glass-fibre products (mats, strands), or glass         microbeads;     -   metal oxides, such as zinc oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium         oxide, or aluminium oxide;     -   metal carbonates, such as magnesium carbonate, calcium         carbonate, or zinc carbonate;     -   metal hydroxides, e.g. aluminium hydroxide or magnesium         hydroxide;     -   metal sulphates, such as calcium sulphate or barium sulphate;     -   carbon blacks: The carbon blacks for use here are those prepared         by the flame process, channel process, furnace process, gas         process, thermal process, acetylene process or are process,         their BET surface areas being from 9 to 200 m²/g, e.g. SAF,         ISAF-LS, ISAF-HM, ISAF-LM, ISAF-HS, CF, SCF, HAF-LS, HAF,         HAF-HS, FF-HS, SPF, XCF, FEF-LS, FEF, FEF-HS, GPF-HS, GPF, APF,         SRF-LS, SRF-LM, SRF-HS, SRF-HM and MT carbon blacks, or carbon         blacks according to ASTM classification: N 110, N219, N220,         N231, N234, N242, N294, N326, N327, N330, N332, N339, N347,         N351, N356, N358, N375, N472, N539, N550, N568, N650, N660,         N754, N762, N765, N774, N787 and N990 carbon blacks;     -   rubber gels, in particular those based on BR, ESBR and/or         polychloroprene with particle sizes from 5 to 1000 nm.

Preferred fillers used are fine-particle silicas and/or carbon blacks.

The fillers mentioned can be used alone or in a mixture. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the rubber compositions comprise, as fillers, a mixture composed of pale-coloured fillers, such as fine-particle silicas, and of carbon blacks, where the mixing ratio of pale-coloured fillers to carbon blacks is from 0.01:1 to 50:1, preferably from 0.05:1 to 20:1.

The amounts used of the fillers here are in the range from 10 to 500 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of rubber. It is preferable to use from 20 to 200 parts by weight.

In another embodiment of the invention, the rubber compositions also comprise rubber auxiliaries which by way of example improve the processing properties of the rubber compositions, or serve for the crosslinking of the rubber compositions, or improve the physical properties of the vulcanizates produced from the rubber compositions of the invention for the specific intended use of the vulcanizates, or improve the interaction between rubber and filler or serve to couple the rubber to the filler.

Examples of rubber auxiliaries are crosslinking agents, e.g. sulphur or sulphur-donor compounds, and also reaction accelerators, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, antiozone agents, processing aids, plasticizers, tackifiers, blowing agents, dyes, pigments, waxes, extenders, organic acids, silanes, retarders, metal oxides, extender oils, e.g. DAE (Distillate Aromatic Extract) oil, TDAE (Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract) oil, MES (Mild Extraction Solvate) oil, RAE (Residual Aromatic Extract) oil, TRAE (Treated Residual Aromatic Extract) oil, and naphthenic and heavy naphthenic oils, and also activators.

The total amount of rubber auxiliaries is in the range from 1 to 300 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of entirety of rubber. It is preferable to use from 5 to 150 parts by weight of rubber auxiliaries.

The vulcanizable rubber compositions can be produced in a single-stage process or in a multistage process, preference being given here to from 2 to 3 mixing stages. By way of example, therefore, it is possible to add sulphur and accelerator in a separate mixing stage, for example on a roll, preference being given here to temperatures in the range from 30° C. to 90° C. It is preferable that the addition of sulphur and accelerator takes place in the final mixing stage.

Examples of assemblies suitable for producing the vulcanizable rubber compositions are rolls, kneaders, internal mixers and mixing extruders.

The invention therefore further provides vulcanizable rubber compositions comprising polymers functionalized by terminal groups, having terminal groups of the formula (I) or (II).

The invention further provides the use of the vulcanizable rubber compositions of the invention for producing rubber vulcanizates, in particular for the production of tyres, in particular tyre treads, where these have particularly low rolling resistance with high wet skid resistance and abrasion resistance.

The vulcanizable rubber compositions of the invention are also suitable for producing mouldings, e.g. for the production of cable sheathing, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belts, roll coverings, shoe soles, sealing rings and damping elements.

The examples below serve to illustrate the invention, but without any resultant limiting effect.

EXAMPLES Example 1a Synthesis of Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer (Comparative Example)

The following were charged to an inertized 20 L reactor: 8.5 kg of hexane, 1125 g of 1,3-butadiene, 375 g of styrene, 28 mmol of 2,2-bis(2-tetrahydrofuryl)propane and also 10 mmol of butyllithium, and the contents were heated to 70° C. The mixture was polymerized for 1 h at 70° C. with stirring. The rubber solution was then discharged, and stabilized by adding 3 g of Irganox® 1520 (2,4-bis(octylthiomethyl)-6-methylphenol) and the solvent was removed by steam-stripping. The rubber crumb was dried in vacuo at 65° C.

Vinyl content (by IR spectroscopy): 51.5% by weight; styrene content (by IR spectroscopy): 24.7% by weight; glass transition temperature (DSC): −16° C.; number-average molar mass M_(n) (GPC, PS standard): 242 kg/mol; M_(w)/M_(n): 1.30; Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 at 100° C.): 71 MU

Example 1b Synthesis of Silane-Containing Carbinol-Terminated Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer (According to the Invention)

The following were charged to an inertized 20 L reactor: 8.5 kg of hexane, 1125 g of 1,3-butadiene, 375 g of styrene, 28 mmol of 2,2-bis(2-tetrahydrofuryl)propane and also 10 mmol of butyllithium, and the contents were heated to 70° C. The mixture was polymerized for 1 h at 70° C. with stirring. 11 mmol (1.43 g) of 2,2-dimethyl-1-oxa-2-silacyclohexane were then added, and the reactor contents were heated to 70° C. for a further 20 min. The rubber solution was then discharged, and stabilized by adding 3 g of Irganox® 1520, and the solvent was removed by steam-stripping. The rubber crumb was dried in vacuo at 65° C.

Vinyl content (by IR spectroscopy): 51.2% by weight; styrene content (by IR spectroscopy): 24.8% by weight, glass transition temperature (DSC): −15° C.; number-average molar mass M_(n) (GPC, PS standard): 261 kg/mol; KIM: 1.17; Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 at 100° C.): 73 MU

Example 1c Synthesis of Silane-Containing Carbinol-Terminated Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer (According to the Invention)

The following were charged to an inertized 20 L reactor: 8.5 kg of hexane, 1125 g of 1,3-butadiene, 375 g of styrene, 28 mmol of 2,2-bis(2-tetrahydrofuryl)propane and also 10.5 mmol of butyllithium, and the contents were heated to 70° C. The mixture was polymerized for 1 h at 70° C. with stirring. 11.6 mmol (1.69 g) of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2-silacyclohexane were then added, and the reactor contents were heated to 70° C. for a further 20 min. The rubber solution was then discharged, and stabilized by adding 3 g of Irganox® 1520, and the solvent was removed by steam-stripping. The rubber crumb was dried in vacuo at 65° C.

Vinyl content (by IR spectroscopy): 51.3% by weight; styrene content (by IR spectroscopy): 25.4% by weight, glass transition temperature (DSC): −17° C.; number-average molar mass M_(n) (GPC, PS standard): 233 kg/mol; M_(w)/M_(n): 1.18; Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 at 100° C.): 69 MU

Examples 2a-c Rubber Compositions

Tyre tread rubber compositions were produced, comprising the styrene-butadiene copolymer from Example 1a as comparative example (rubber composition 2a), and also the silane-containing carbinol-terminated styrene-butadiene copolymers of the invention from Example 1b and 1c (rubber compositions 2b and 2c). Table 1 lists the constituents. The rubber compositions (without sulphur and accelerator) were produced in a 1.5 L kneader. The sulphur and accelerator constituents were then admixed on a roll at 40° C.

TABLE 1 Constituents of tyre tread rubber compositions (data in phr: parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of rubber) Comparative Inventive Inventive Example Example Example 2a 2b 2c Styrene-butadiene copolymer from Example 1a 70 0 0 Silane-containing carbinol-terminated styrene-butadiene copolymer from Example 1b 0 70 0 Silane-containing carbinol-terminated styrene-butadiene copolymer from Example 1c 0 0 70 High-cis-content polybutadiene (BUNA ™ CB 24 from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH) 30 30 30 Silica (Ultrasil ® 7000) 90 90 90 Carbon black (Vulcan ® J/N 375) 7 7 7 TDAE oil (Vivatec 500) 36.3 36.3 36.3 Processing aid (Aflux 37) 3 3 3 Stearic acid (Edenor C 18 98-100) 1 1 1 Antioxidant (Vulkanox ® 4020/LG from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH) 2 2 2 Antioxidant (Vulkanox ® HS/LG from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH) 2 2 2 Zinc oxide (Rotsiegel zinc white) 2 2 2 Wax (Antilux 654) 2 2 2 Silane (Si 69 ® from Evonik) 7.2 7.2 7.2 Diphenylguanidine (Vulkacit ® D/C from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH) 2.2 2.2 2.2 Sulfenamide (Vulkacit ® NZ/EGC from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH) 1.6 1.6 1.6 Sulfur (90/95 Chancel ground sulfur) 1.6 1.6 1.6 Sulfonamide (Vulkalent ® E/C) 0.2 0.2 0.2

Examples 3a-c Vulcanizate Properties

The tyre tread rubber compositions of Examples 2a-c according to Table 1 were vulcanized at 160° C. for 20 minutes. The properties of the corresponding vulcanizates are listed as Examples 3a-c in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Vulcanizate properties Comparative Inventive Inventive Example Example Example 3a 3b 3c Styrene-butadiene copolymer in vulcanizate: Styrene-butadiene copolymer from Example 1a X Silane-containing carbinol-terminated styrene-butadiene copolymer from Example 1b X Silane-containing carbinol-terminated styrene-butadiene copolymer from Example 1c X Vulkanizate properties: Resilience at 23° C. [%] 28 29.5 30 Reslilience at 60° C. [%] 50.5 55.5 55.5 tan δ maximum (MTS amplitude sweep at 1 Hz, 60° C.) 0.193 0.177 0.178 tan δ at 0° C. (dynamic damping at 10 Hz) 0.291 0.324 0.326 tan δ at 60° C. (dynamic damping at 10 Hz) 0.120 0.108 0.113 Elongation at break (S2 test specimen) [%] 428 428 428 Tensile stress at break (S2 test specimen) [MPa] 18.3 19.5 19.3 Abrasion (DIN 53516) [mm³] 95 90 84

Tyre applications require low rolling resistance, and this is present if the values measured in the vulcanizate are high for rebound resilience at 60° C. and low for tan δ in dynamic damping at high temperature (60° C.) and low for tan δ maximum in the amplitude sweep. As can be seen from Table 2, the vulcanizates of Inventive Examples 3b and 3c feature high rebound resilience at 60° C., low tan δ in dynamic damping at 60° C. and low tan δ maximum in the amplitude sweep.

Tyre applications also require high wet skid resistance, and this is present if the vulcanizate has high tan δ in dynamic damping at low temperature (0° C.). As can be seen from Table 2, the vulcanizates of Inventive Examples 3b and 3c feature high tan δ in dynamic damping at 0° C.

Tyre applications moreover require high abrasion resistance. As can be seen from Table 2, the vulcanizates of Inventive Examples 3b and 3c feature low DIN abrasion. 

1. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, characterized in that the polymers have, at the chain end, a silane-containing carbinol group of the formula (I)

where R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are identical or different and are H, alkyl moieties, cycloalkyl moieties, aryl moieties, alkaryl moieties and aralkyl moieties, where these can comprise heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, A is a divalent organic moiety which can comprise, alongside C and H, heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si.
 2. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminal groups of the polymers are present in the form of metal salts of the formula (II)

where R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are identical or different and are H, alkyl moieties, cycloalkyl moieties, aryl moieties, alkaryl moieties and aralkyl moieties, where these can comprise heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, A is a divalent organic moiety which can comprise, alongside C and H, heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, n is an integer from 1 to 4, M is a metal or semimetal of valency from 1 to 4, preferably Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Co, Ni, Al, Nd, Ti, Si, Sn.
 3. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the polymers are diene polymers or are diene copolymers obtainable via copolymerization of dienes with vinylaromatic monomers.
 4. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 3, characterized in that the diene polymer is a polybutadiene, a polyisoprene, a butadiene-isoprene copolymer, a butadiene-styrene copolymer, an isoprene-styrene copolymer or a butadiene-isoprene-styrene terpolymer.
 5. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 4, characterized in that one or more 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes is/are used as functionalization reagent.
 6. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 5, characterized in that the 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes are compounds of the general formula (III)

where R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are identical or different and are H, alkyl moieties, cycloalkyl moieties, aryl moieties, alkaryl moieties and aralkyl moieties, where these can comprise heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si, A is a divalent organic moiety which can comprise, alongside C and H, heteroatoms such as O, N, S, Si.
 7. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 6, characterized in that the average molar masses (number average) of the polymers are from 10 000 to 2 000 000 g/mol, preferably from 100 000 to 1 000 000 g/mol.
 8. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 7, characterized in that the glass transition temperatures of the polymers are from −110° C. to +20° C., preferably from −110° C. to 0° C.
 9. Polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 8, characterized in that the Mooney viscosities of the polymers [ML 1+4 (100° C.)] are from 10 to 200, preferably from 30 to 150 Mooney units.
 10. Use of 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes as functionalization reagents for producing polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to claim 1 or
 2. 11. Process for producing polymers functionalized by terminal groups, characterized in that one or more 1-oxa-2-silacycloalkanes (functionalization reagents) are added to polymers having reactive polymer chain ends.
 12. Process according to claim 11, characterized in that the addition of the functionalization reagents takes place after conclusion of the polymerization process.
 13. Process according to claim 11, characterized in that an excess of the functionalization reagents is used.
 14. Process according to claim 11, characterized in that stoichiometric amounts or substoichiometric amounts of functionalization reagents are used.
 15. Process according to either of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the amount of functionalization reagents is from 0.005 to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 1% by weight, based on the amount of polymer having reactive polymer chain ends.
 16. Process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that coupling reagents are used for reaction with the reactive polymer chain ends.
 17. Use of polymers functionalized by terminal groups, according to any of the preceding claims, for producing vulcanizable rubber compositions.
 18. Vulcanizable rubber compositions according to claim 17, characterized in that they comprise antioxidants, oils, fillers, rubbers and/or rubber auxiliaries.
 19. Vulcanizable rubber compositions comprising polymers functionalized by terminal groups, having terminal groups of the formula (I) or (II).
 20. Use of the vulcanizable rubber compositions according to claim 19 for producing tyres, in particular tyre treads.
 21. Use of the vulcanizable rubber compositions according to claim 19 for producing mouldings, in particular cable sheathing, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belts, roll coverings, shoe soles, sealing rings and damping elements.
 22. Tyre obtainable according to claim
 20. 23. Moulding obtainable according to claim
 21. 